Question:
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT OUT OF THIS TUMMY TUCK
I DO NOT HAVE A LOT OF HANGING SKIN, HARDLY ANY. WHAT I DO HAVE IS FLUBBINESS, FEELS LIKE MARSHMALLOW. WILL I HAVE A FLAT STOMACH WHEN I'M DONE ( THE SURGEON SAYS I WILL BUT I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW FROM SOMEONE WHO HAS HAD IT DONE) AND WHAT ABOUT THE HIPS WILL I LOOK DISPROPORTIONED? — Tammy W. (posted on July 10, 2004)
July 10, 2004
Please remember that, as with all surgeries, different patients will have
slightly different experiences. A great deal always depends on the
surgeon's skill and experience...and a great deal depends on each
individual patient's overall physical condition, pain tolerance, and
emotional/psychological attitudes. I was 55 years old when I had my
"anchor incision" TT. The surgery gave me a tummy you can bounce
a quarter off of, and a great hourglass figure....and yes, the hips are
completely in proportion. I had an armlift at the same time, and the
surgeon removed a total of 16.5 lbs. of excess fat/skin. I had lost 140
lbs. after my WLS and had a large amount of hanging skin on my tummy and
arms. My new belly button is "precious", and just the tiniest
bit off-center, but who cares?...and who notices but me? I was back to
work in a full-time office position in 10 days, with four drains in place.
Even with the long incisions and all those drains, this was the most
"comfortable" major surgery I have ever had....even more so than
my lap RNY....don't ask me why. I had no problems with my incisions, and
no "dog-ears" at the hips. The vertical scar from breastbone to
pubic area is now just a fine white line, and the hip-to-hip incision is
almost completely invisible. The only challenge that I experienced was how
to creatively pin those drains to my underwear so that folks at work didn't
think I was carrying four hand grenades under my skirt :-)....and, for me,
the drains were a nuisance, but painless while they were in, and painless
when they were removed. Be sure that you are completely comfortable with
your plastic surgeon-of-choice...in your conversations about your
expectations and his realistic/professional abilities and thoughts about
meeting some or all of those expectations....with his portfolio of
before/after pictures of other patients with a similar surgery....with
his/her ability and willingness to answer all of your questions (and always
take a written list)....talk openly about the risks involved with any major
surgery, as well as the specific instructions that you will be given
post-op. With all that being said, try to maintain a strong positive
attitude and the knowledge that the vast majority of TT patients feel that
the experience ranks right up there with their WLS as being one of the best
decisions that they ever made for themselves. I couldn't be happier with
my TT/armlift surgery three years post-op...I hope that you have the same
great experience. Best wishes!
— Diana T.
July 11, 2004
just a tip about what to do with the drains. when i would shower i would
take a cut pantyhose leg and tie it, but it around my neck and pin the
drains to it. that way i could have both hands free to shower. when you are
done had the pantyhose up to dry and it will be ready for your next shower.
— franbvan
July 11, 2004
I am 5 days PO from TTw/MR. I have found a wonderful site dedicated to TT.
It is atmakemeheal.com they answer a lot
of questions!
— Cindee A.
July 12, 2004
I am one month post op and have my check up this date. My doctor says I
look wonderful. Still some swelling but tolerable at this point. He says
that it will take a few more months and all swelling should be gone. I
think I look wonderful and would do it all again in a heart beat.
— CINDY D.
July 13, 2004
I just had my surgery 3 1/2 weeks ago. I had lots of hanging skin, 11
pounds were removed and I am completely flat. It is amazing what a good
surgeon can do. My hips and waist also look incredible. I am very
pleased. I am also swollen so will see even better results in the coming
months. Suggestion: make sure you have seen pictures of your surgeons
previous surgeries, some surgeons are not as good as others, I have seen
some very bad abdominaplastys.
— lmonroeny
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